Endless Love (Santa’s Secret Helpers #5) - Leeanna Morgan Page 0,22
her feel alive. Made her want to make the world a better place for the people around her.
A pair of hands wrapped around her waist and pulled her into a wide chest. “That’s a happy smile for eight o’clock in the morning.”
Shelley’s heart leaped and she almost dropped the flowers she was holding.
John laughed. “Maybe not so happy after I gave you a fright. Sorry.”
“That’s okay. My mind was a million miles away.” She looked into her fiancé’s eyes and sighed. Not only was John one of the most handsome men she’d ever met, he was also kind, generous, and more patient than she could ever be. “I was just thinking how lucky I am to be living in Sapphire Bay.”
John rested his forehead against hers. “And I’m lucky we’re getting married in a few weeks. I like your flowers.”
Shelley rubbed her nose against his. “They’re for the volunteers at The Welcome Center. I bought them from Blooming Lovely after we finished last night.”
“Why do I have the crazy idea that we should cancel all our appointments and spend the day together?”
“Maybe it’s because we’re absolutely, totally, and ridiculously in love with each other?”
“That works for me.”
She nudged John’s lips with hers and gave him a sweet kiss. “Aren’t you meeting the funding person from Polson today?”
“I am. What about lunch? I could buy some food and we could find somewhere warm and quiet to eat together.”
Reluctantly, Shelley shook her head. “I wish I could, but I have appointments right through to three o’clock and then Andrea and I are working on the budgeting workshops.”
“It sounds as though we need to make an appointment to see each other.”
“What about dinner? I could make you Mom’s world-famous cheesy pasta.”
With his arm around her shoulders, John led her into The Welcome Center. “Now, that I can do. I’ll bring dessert.”
Mabel stopped in front of them. “Look at those beautiful flowers.”
Shelley handed Mabel one of the gift-wrapped roses. “This is for you because you’re such a wonderful person.”
Tears filled Mabel’s eyes. “That’s so lovely.”
“What’s wrong?” Shelley asked. It wasn’t like Mabel to be so emotional.
“Mom isn’t well. Allan and I are driving to Polson to see her.”
Shelley gave her a hug. After Mabel’s mom broke her hip a few months ago, her health quickly deteriorated. “I’m so sorry. I hope she feels better soon.”
“I hope so, too. But I have a feeling we don’t have much time left with her.”
John gave Mabel a hug. “Is there anything I can do?”
Mabel wiped her eyes. “Thank you, but we’re okay. Two of our part-time staff will look after the store while we’re gone.” She glanced at her watch and sighed. “I’d better get back before Allan wonders where I’ve gone. Thanks again for the flower.”
“You’re welcome.” Shelley watched Mabel hurry from the center. “I hope her mom is okay.”
John’s hand rested on her waist. “So do I, but Mabel’s mom is in her nineties. The next few weeks could be really difficult for their family.”
She kissed John’s cheek. “It’s easy to forget that even though we’re happy, a lot of people are going through difficult times.” She handed him one of the roses she’d bought from Kylie. “Thank you for being my best friend and the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
John smiled. “Thank you.”
Mr. Jessop raced past them. “We have an emergency. There’s a rabbit in one of the greenhouses.”
Shelley looked at John and chuckled. “Maybe his name is Peter.”
He sent her a rueful grin. “Even if it was, I’m not sure it would make any difference. I’d better see what’s happening in case Peter ends up in a stew.”
The chance of that happening was almost zero. Mr. Jessop had a soft spot for animals, even if they were munching their way through his vegetables. “I’ll find you this afternoon. If we’re lucky, we might be able to grab a coffee together.”
John gave her a quick kiss. “Sounds good to me. I’ll see you later.”
And with his red rose in his hand, he hurried after Mr. Jessop.
Shelley walked across the foyer to the reception counter. No one could ever say working at The Welcome Center was boring.
One of the best things about John’s job was spending time with the children who came to The Welcome Center’s after-school programs. He enjoyed reading them stories or helping them make crafts.
Today, with the snow still lying on the ground, the children were making Valentine’s Day gifts for their families. Beside him, Charlie